Our Cognitive Care
Why Cognitive Care?
Your cognitive health refers to a collective set of abilities, such as thinking, learning, speaking, and clearly recalling information and is often associated with Dementia when our cognitive health is in decline. The Lancet Commission (a series of science-led, international, and multidisciplinary collaborations aimed at urgent global health issues) regarding Dementia for both 2020 and 2024 outlined hearing loss to be the primary modifiable risk factor related to developing dementia. Because of the causal association of untreated hearing loss, our providers are not only viewing each patient according to their current symptoms and conditions, but also considering them with the future in mind, 10-20 years down the road. Modern medicine is certainly helping patients add years to their lives, but Western Colorado Hearing Clinic is aiming to add quality of life to those years.
Hearing loss not only affects both the quantity and quality of neurological input to the brain, causing changes in brain neurology, function, and structure, but it also causes increases with the mental effort needed to process information, especially in noisy environments, depleting cognitive resources necessary for memory and attention. Additionally, hearing loss can impact social interaction and emotional well-being, increasing the risk of isolation, depression, and anxiety, which can negatively affect cognitive health. Some factors can be reversed or treated if detected early, while others can be managed with appropriate care and support. Taking care of your cognitive health needs to begin way before you or your family sees a decline and can start with Western Colorado Hearing Clinic.
About Cognivue: Our Cognitive Screener
At Western Colorado Hearing Clinic, we utilize the FDA approved cognitive screener – Cognivue. What makes Cognivue different is the ability to hear is not required for the process. The technology includes captions for those who are hard of hearing or have severe hearing loss.
It is a short cognitive screening test that evaluates aspects of your cognitive functioning. The test focuses on five cognitive domains: memory, visual spatial ability, executive function, reaction time, and processing speed.
By completing a Cognivue screening, the patient is able to determine where their abilities lie in reference to other normative data and can aid in helping them develop a plan of action for improvement or maintenance. This information is also widely appreciated by physicians and other healthcare professionals as it delivers clear and meaningful information to both patients and medical providers alike.
Our Treatment Options for Cognitive Decline
Hearing Aids
Hearing Aids can play a significant role in potentially slowing or preventing cognitive decline associated with untreated hearing loss. In fact, studies have shown that using hearing aids can reduce the risk of decline by up to 600%. Hearing aids help mitigate the negative impacts of hearing loss on the brain by providing proper neural stimulation to the brain and reducing cognitive load. This also provides opportunity for enhanced social engagement, delays the progression of further hearing loss, and potentially removes the associated risk of dementia caused by untreated hearing loss.
Cochlear Implants
Cochlear implants, while primarily known for restoring hearing, can also play a role in mitigating cognitive decline. Similar to hearing aids, cochlear implants can improve speech perception and help to provide proper neurological stimulation to the brain from sound. Studies have shown that cochlear implantation can improve cognitive functions like executive function, verbal memory, and non-verbal memory.
Auditory Cognitive Rehabilitation
Cognitive rehabilitation includes techniques like memory training or computer- or phone-based exercises, which can help individuals develop strategies to cope with cognitive changes and provide improvements in skill or coping strategies. We also use therapies targeted toward the social element o help patients remain engaged and challenge them to work towards higher-level function where appropriate.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can be a beneficial intervention for individuals experiencing cognitive decline, particularly when associated with conditions like depression or anxiety, or even as a preventative measure. While not a cure for dementia, CBT can help manage symptoms, improve quality of life, and potentially delay progression by addressing negative thought patterns and behaviors. CBT is also helpful for loved ones in aiding their understanding of the condition and provide a more compassionate and supporting foundation for relationships.
Nutrition Counseling
Nutrition counseling can play a significant role in preventing, managing, and potentially slowing cognitive decline. Focusing on specific dietary patterns can improve cognitive health. Our nutrition counselor will work with you one-on-one to determine how your diet should be adjusted to positively impact your cognitive health.